Margaret Cho's 'Whatever' diet

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Sep 23rd 2008 2:42PM

(Click the photo for more Shocking Celebrity Slimdowns)

Comedian Margaret Cho has been out of the spotlight for a few years now, but she's back, and she's 40 lbs lighter to boot, after years of dieting. So which wonderful diet program finally worked for Cho? None.

Cho admits to People Magazine that she eventually lost weight by eating whatever she wants -- including ice cream, chips, fries and pizza. But she did follow two rules: Eat only when hungry, and stick to small dinners, meaning breakfast and lunch are the big meals of the day. Says Cho: "When I was on crazy diets, I'd gain weight because I would binge on diet food! I learned that any restriction on the kind of food I was eating was going to be problem. By saying I can eat whatever I want, I don't crave it as much."

You know, eating junk food when you're trying to lose weight sounds kind of crazy, but I really think she has a point here. Your thoughts?

Shocking Celebrity Slimdowns(click thumbnails to view gallery)

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Comments (20)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

... 9-24-2008 @ 10:11AM

The "eat everything I want" diet works very well for me too. I dropped my BMI from 34 to 23 by eating everything I really want to eat (and playing video games).

Brad 9-26-2008 @ 2:10PM

Scandal!!! Kim Kardashian's NEW sex tape! Here:
http://kcelebvidz.com/video.php?v=Kim_Kardashian_NEW_sex_tape

H L C Van Layden 9-26-2008 @ 2:16PM

WHEN IS THAT SOW, ROSIE O'DONNELL EVER GOING TO GO ON A FOOD & MOUTH DIET ?????
PAT VAN ALDERS
WILMINGTON, DE

Vic 9-26-2008 @ 5:03PM

When was this article about Rosie O'Donnell? And why are you picking on fat people?

FitmusicguyBarry 9-26-2008 @ 2:38PM

You have to be careful when listening to "testimonials", because you may not be getting all the information on how that person lost weight. I could say that sticking my finger in a light socket helped me lose a ton of weight when I also joined a gym, quit my job at the bakery, finally got the divorce I had wanted for so long, moved next door to an organic farm, cashed in that inheritance, hired a personal trainer, etc., etc.

Certainly, eating big breakfast, lunch and then small dinner can be ONE of the weapons that will assist in weight loss. For some people, however, the "eat whatever you want" rule may perpetuate cravings. A simplified version of what will work best for the most people is: 1. Eat More Foods that You Know are Healthy that YOU Enjoy (not too much, and also not to LITTLE), 2. Do a reasonable amount of regular exercise (not too little, also not too MUCH), with a focus on strength training exercise (strength training raises resting metabolism, a critical component of weight loss, and also increases the calorie potential of "cardio" exercise. For example, 2 people standing next to each other in the Zhumba class; the one with stronger muscles will use up more calories doing the same moves the exact same way). 3. Get enough sleep; get good quality sleep; enjoy life.

Joan Mylonas 9-26-2008 @ 2:36PM

I believe in eating what you truly want. I find sometimes that if I want something (say like a scoop of ice cream, or a piece of cake), I will deny myself of it and then eat everything "around it" and eventually will feel so horrible that I will then eat the cake, ice cream, etc. I try to really think about what I want to eat before I reach for something. It does work.

could be true 9-26-2008 @ 2:38PM

AS ALWAYS... IT ONLY WORKS IF MORE CALORIES ARE EXPENDED THAN ARE TAKEN IN.... IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

Eden 9-26-2008 @ 2:54PM

I commend her discipline. I for one am unable to have small amounts of chips or nuts. It is better for me to do without and then plan on having a treat at some point so I still don't feel deprived. I rather plan on having 2 slices or even 3 pieces once every 2 weeks than a 1/2 piece whenever I want. I find the best bet in helping me with my weight battle is having a good breakfast.. It helps me to make sane decisions not stupid ones as I am ravenous.

I strive to eat healthy and lead by example for my daughters. I eat flax every morning for health and weight loss reasons. I have the same breakfast now every day. I recently lost 30 pounds following the weight watchers program http://www.weightwatchers.com and I now just
am more watchful every day of what I eat. I have a banana low fat yogurt with golden roasted flax for breakfast every day. It is filling, keeps me regular and tastes fabulous (kinda like sesame seeds). My Weight
Watchers leader recommended fitflax to me and it definitely helped the last 10 pounds to melt off. It is low carb and low cal. It is a flax and chia blend and I
think I read about it in O mag. They also listed a code to get 15% off. The site is http://www.fitflax.com and the code for 15% off is FIT15

lorri 9-26-2008 @ 2:57PM

Each person is an individual, each person is unique. We must take responsibility for what we put into our bodies, whether its alchol, drugs, or food ... its not the substance, its the reason behind the substance in which we over do. When I look back in my life tempting foods available at anytime was not our reality. We had foods that were able to cause over wieght and health problems. We just didn't have a fast food and resturant on every corner and all the different types of foods from all over the world available to us today ... Processed foods were of a few variety. The ingredients and he chemically changed ingredients for shelf life is insane. Its all going into our system and our system is breaking down during the process of trying to digest and relieve our system of them. We all know the government will get by with all kinds of stuff, they know we are not going to stand up to them until we get enough and that sometimes takes a whole generation. Meanwhile we continue eating and drinking and drugging. I am taking responsibility for what I put into my system and I am going to stop taking my body and health for granted and start working toward a healthy food plan ... I don't use alcohol or drugs or tabacco. But I do eat more then I really need. Food can become addictive and overeating can become a bad habit we all know we can change habits and addiction to a healthier mind and heart. Thanks Cho for reminding me I can eat without dieting and still lose wieght as long as I use moderation as my guide. Wiegh and measure and keep record daily of what foods eaten and the amount. Keep up the good work ... I've heard if we work it, it will work.

robertalynntac 9-26-2008 @ 3:50PM

Oh hell, just stick your finger down your throat and puke ... or snort speed - one of them should work for you!

Personally, I do neither because I'm as old as dust.
Every morning when I wake up I thank the good Lord for another day and drink a glass of warm water. Eat my oatmeal, toast, and cup of coffee. Eat various fruit and vegetables, chicken and fish throughout the day. Do my chores (inside and outside) And have a sm glass of red wine with maybe some cheese before retiring. Doctor said, I was going to out live him ...

Pamela Wells 9-26-2008 @ 4:06PM

I'd like to see Margaret Cho lose weight using her method if she were 60 years old or around there!

Older women have a special hurdle to overcome. Getting it off is almost impossible.

LMAO at Roberta 9-26-2008 @ 4:21PM

I think your reply is hysterical. Good for you having a gr8 sense of humor.

Chris 9-26-2008 @ 6:12PM

Fat people are gross! I get so sick of fat people everywhere. How do you get up everyday and look in the mirror? I mean dont you get sick of looking like that? All they do is complain there fat... Then do something about it. Eat right and exercise... its pretty simple.

Franky 9-26-2008 @ 8:24PM

Fat people may gross you out, but most of them have the common sense to be polite because their mothers and Fathers taught them how to respect people whether they are overweight or not. Unfortunately, this doesn't say a lot about who taught you your (or lack of ) manners....

Charmagne 9-26-2008 @ 7:02PM

I lost 30 pounds and my husband lost70 pounds by doing exactly what Margaret Cho has done. I didn't and don't tell people we are dieting. As soon as that word is mentioned you automatically feel deprived. I eat whatever I want just smaller proportions. If I want a donut I eat a half a donut or a bite or two. It's called will power too. Eat sensibly

Charmagne 9-26-2008 @ 7:05PM

To add to my first comment, it doesn't go without some kind of exercising. Walking is what my husband and I have done. Eat more, walk more, eat less still walk.:)

Brenda English 9-26-2008 @ 7:46PM

Sorry it would not work for me I eat less than an Air Fern and I cant seem to drop a pound!!! I put on 90 lbs when my daughter went on Hospice! From 107 to 197 in approx 10 months! I have managed to lose 47 lbs dont know how but cant seem to lose anymore. I go to the Dr. etc. He has now put me on Thyroid meds to try and jump start my metabolism. I'll believe it when I dont see it!!!!

Chris 9-26-2008 @ 8:42PM

Frankie,
I do have manners, however when it comes to this I do not. There is no excuse for this. It is out of control. Just today I saw this kid who was no more than 8 years old and had to weigh 100 pounds. Its disgusting how people eat. Unless its a medical condition and cant be helped or your pregnant, then what is the excuse? Everyday I see people that are so large, that they need scooters to get around or cant even walk. It makes me ill....... These people need to get there fat asses to the gym and off the couch's and out of the drive thru... One more thing, STOP BITCHING ABOUT BEING FAT AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PUT DOWN THE BROWNIES AND REPLACE IT WITH WATER AND A SALAD.